Wednesday 29 September 2010

NIGHT FLIGHT POLICY RECEIVED FROM AIRPORT OWNERS

Formal details of a proposed new night-time flying policy for Manston Airport have been received by Thanet District Council.

The information, produced by Infratil, the owners and operators of Manston, Kent’s International Airport, was submitted to the council late yesterday (Tuesday 28 September).

The documents detail the airport owner’s proposals for a new night-time flying policy. This follows on from the previous application which was submitted to the council in August 2009. The information is now available on the council’s website at http://www.thanet.gov.uk/council__democracy/consultation/night-time_flying_policy.aspx

Infratil have also submitted an aircraft night noise assessment report, which is a technical report, explaining the implications of the proposal. The council will now seek an independent assessment of this report and will provide advice to the public, explaining in simple terms the impact of the night flying proposed.

Although the documents have been made public by the council today (Wednesday 29 September), this does not yet signal the start of the full public consultation. This will run for a minimum of 12 weeks to ensure that that people have the chance to have their say. The starting date of the consultation will be announced shortly.

Leader of the Council, Cllr. Bob Bayford, said: “We know that this is a hugely important issue for local people, especially those living under the flight path, which is why we are making these documents available to the public at the earliest possible opportunity. We want people to have the chance to see what Infratil have submitted to us.

He added: “It has been made clear at public meetings in the last few days that people want to see the council’s independent assessment of this report available when the consultation starts. That’s why the formal consultation process is not beginning immediately. Of course, should people want to make their views known to us before we begin our formal consultation, we’d be happy to receive those. That will be followed by a thorough and extensive consultation, with everyone able to give their views on the issue.”

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